MEI, the Podcast

In this episode, we are honored to feature Wendy Chinglong, a remarkable volleyball player and an inspiring figure within the Marshallese community. Wendy has made her mark on the court as a middle blocker for the Har-Ber Lady Wildcats, a member of the NWA Junior Storm, and a two-time MVP with her competitive team, 'Iakwe.' Beyond her athletic achievements, Wendy’s story highlights resilience, dis...

In this episode, hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John are joined by Ailing Gideon, a  Marshallese dreamer-someone who is striving to advocate, educate and guide our community through the different systems and resources here in NWA. Ailing talks about how his journey is about more than just navigating challenges; it's about creating pathways, lifting others up, and keeping our culture stron...

In this episode, Chapel joins host Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to talk about their passion for advocacy and their career aspirations. From moving to the U.S. at age seven to becoming a triple major at the University of Arkansas, Chapel’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Balancing life as a student, an intern at the Marshall Islands Consulate, and a clerk for an attorney,...

...willingness, dedication, community engagement, support, connection... In this episode, we speak with our special guest, Christopher Balos, about his upbringing since childhood as a Marshallese born in the Islands and his personal experiences with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We discuss his role at the Arkansas Support Network, where he serves as a vital resource for the Marshall...

...belonging in-between and finding a pathway to purpose through identity and culture... In this episode, we will be interviewing PhD candidate and Marshallese scholar Corinne Salter about her path to education and her life growing up in Louisiana, USA. We explore her struggles with Identity and her adoption story, as she was born in the Marshall Islands in 1999 and adopted by an American family a...

Unity, culture, and making music that connects. In this episode, host Marcina Langrine is joined by Matthew John and Kairo Langrus to discuss the origins of MARK Harmony. Matthew and Kairo share their experiences as a rising Marshallese boy band, known for their smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and island-inspired rhythms. They delve into the creative process behind crafting their songs, highlight...

An artist, a future barber, and a teacher. Can one person do it all?  In this episode, Mashiro joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss his high school experiences, accomplishments, and new passions. A leader who strives to learn, but also finds opportunities to give back to his community. Mashiro discusses his new passion and explores ways to refine his craft as a barber. In...

How do Marshallese students rise as leaders in their community while still in high school? How do Marshallese youth leaders balance the day-to-day pressures of school, family, and work with their efforts to promote culture in organizations, such as the Islander Club? In this episode, Honey Andrew joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss these issues — namely, ho...

More than ever, it takes a village to lead. A proverb that conveys the idea of collective support from the community.  In this episode, Consul General Anjanette Anjel joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss her role as a CG serving the Midwest and the opportunities that led her to choose this career path. CG highlights her time studying abroad and how it exposed her to differ...

Is it considered taboo to discuss sexual violence within the Pacific Islander community? What exactly is sexual health? How can we break down the stigma and cultural barriers surrounding conversations about our bodies? In this episode, Nina Jusuf from NAPIESV joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss sexual violence in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. She emphasizes the...

Nuclear and climate activist Benetick Kabua Maddison, Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative, joins the podcast to discuss MEI's programs and services, sharing his journey of amplifying the voices of the Marshallese people. Engaged in education, research, and advocacy, Benetick emphasizes the connection between nuclear power and climate change, as well as the broader social a...

Iọkwe, and hello! Welcome to "MEI, the Podcast," the official podcast for the Marshallese Educational Initiative, a nonprofit based in northwest Arkansas. In this episode, you'll meet our co-hosts, MEI's Marcina Langrine and Matthew John, and learn about upcoming episodes in 2025. In the meantime, check out MEI's website to learn more. Music excerpted: "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Keola Beamer The...